Referral for additional specialized treatments such as neuropsychological exams, medication treatment, or addiction cessation would always be appropriate, provided the couple therapist and the additional treatment professional agree on
a clear division of labor between the therapists.
In a study, incorporation of NPs to inpatient care teams was observed to increase revenue, reduce length of hospital stays, and standardize quality of care, 4 while another study observed the employment of one NP per two physicians to decrease patient costs without compromising quality of care.5 Although creating an efficient PA or NP and physician team takes commitment, the benefits easily outweigh the costs, allowing for
clear division of labor and leading to an efficient and effective team.